Friendship and cooperation – Rooster, Goat and Monkey band together to build a raft, Ox takes Rat and Cat on her back.

Altruism – Dragon helps Rabbit without Rabbit knowing. Dragon could have come first except that he stops to help relieve a drought.

The smallest can achieve great things. Rat is the smallest of the animals.

There are different ways to do things. There are many paths to achieve a goal – Rooster, Goat and Monkey build a raft, Pig floats across on her back, Rabbit floats on a log, Dog, Horse, Tiger, Ox are strong swimmers, Dragon flies across the river.

Friendship and Betrayal – Rat pushes Cat into the water, leading to a long term feud between cats and rats.

The strong helping the weak – Ox and Dragon help others.

Determination – Rabbit, Rat and Cat don’t like water but they still join in the race.

The Lion Drummer (Aussie Bite)

Years 1- 4

~ Chinese themes

~ Australian urban setting

~ Chinatown

~ Chinese dragon parade

~ Chinese traditions

~ immigration

~ determination

~ breaking with tradition

Four Poppy Novels which are part of the Our Australian Girl series

Meet Poppy, Poppy at Summerhill, Poppy and the Thief, Poppy Comes Home